Resonant Open-Electrode Ranging for Low-Power Material Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing proximity detection systems in mobile devices suffer from high power consumption, false positive detections, fixed minimum detection ranges, and limited adaptability, making them inefficient and unsuitable for small form factor devices like smartphones and smartwatches.
Innovation Solution
A low-frequency detection and ranging (LFDAR) system using an open electrode, alternating current voltage source, and resonant circuit that determines object material class through amplitude and phase differences, allowing for adjustable detection ranges and low power consumption, and can be adapted for various devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional proximity detectors are used, then detection function is provided, but power consumption is high and false positive detections occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the proximity detection function with the existing resonant circuit used for electromagnetic radiation detection. By merging these functions into a single circuit architecture, the system achieves reliable proximity detection without requiring separate high-power detection circuits, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The resonant circuit serves dual purposes: it detects electromagnetic radiation from antennas and simultaneously functions as the proximity detection sensor. This self-service approach eliminates the need for dedicated proximity detection hardware, reducing power consumption while providing accurate detection through the circuit's inherent resonant properties that change when objects approach.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional proximity detectors are used, then detection is provided, but minimum detection range is fixed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic detection range adjustment by modifying the resonant frequency of the circuit. The detection range is not fixed but can be dynamically changed by tuning the resonant frequency, allowing the system to adapt to different detection requirements. This is achieved through variable capacitors or inductors that adjust the resonant characteristics in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the resonant frequency parameter to adjust detection range. By varying the resonant frequency of the circuit, the detection range is dynamically adjusted without requiring complex additional circuitry. This parameter-based control provides adaptability while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
3Reliability
If additional circuitry is added for ranging and detection, then detection capability is improved, but physical space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The resonant circuit is designed to perform multiple functions: electromagnetic radiation detection, proximity sensing, and ranging. By making the circuit universal and multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate dedicated circuits for each function, thereby improving detection capability without increasing the physical space required in small form factor devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges proximity detection, ranging, and electromagnetic radiation detection into a single integrated resonant circuit system. This consolidation provides enhanced detection capabilities while minimizing the physical footprint, making it suitable for compact devices where space is at a premium.
4Measurement precision
If specific antenna shapes and orientations are required, then detection accuracy is improved, but adaptability to different products is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The resonant circuit is designed to be universal and work with various antenna types, shapes, and orientations. The circuit detects changes in its electromagnetic environment regardless of the specific antenna configuration, providing accurate detection across different product designs without requiring antenna-specific calibration or specialized circuit configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit automatically adapts to different antenna configurations through its resonant properties. It self-adjusts to the electromagnetic characteristics of whatever antenna is present, eliminating the need for manual configuration or specialized design for each antenna type. This provides both accuracy and broad product adaptability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The LFDAR system provides extreme sensitivity at close ranges, reduces electromagnetic radiation emissions, and is agnostic to frequency and antenna shapes, making it suitable for small form factor products with low power consumption and reduced false detections.
Implementation Method 1
a resonant circuit coupled to the open electrode, the resonant circuit configured to oscillate when an object is within a detection distance of the open electrode
Implementation Method 2
an alternating current (AC) voltage source configured to supply an excitation voltage to the open electrode at an excitation frequency
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are disclosed for a low-frequency detection and ranging. In an embodiment, an apparatus comprises: an open electrode; an alternating current (AC) voltage source configured to supply an excitation voltage to the open electrode at an excitation frequency; a resonant circuit coupled to the open electrode, the resonant circuit configured to oscillate when an object is within a detection distance of the open electrode; one or more processors configured to: obtain time domain samples of an output voltage of the resonant circuit when the resonant circuit is oscillating; convert the time domain samples into frequency domain samples; for each frequency domain sample, determine an amplitude difference and a phase difference as compared to an amplitude and phase of the excitation voltage; and determine a material class of the object based on the amplitude difference and the phase difference.